Dental health is often overlooked in pets, yet it plays a pivotal role in their overall well-being. Common dental problems in pets can lead to severe pain and systemic issues if not detected and treated timely. Uncomplicated crown fractures, for example, are frequently left untreated or not even radiographed. Even if a fractured tooth doesn’t extend into the pulp, the dentin is porous, potentially allowing bacteria to invade the dentin tubules. This can lead to the bacteria working its way from the fracture site into the pulp, resulting in pulp necrosis and tooth death. Consequently, this may cause infections around the apex (the end of the root), which can be painful and require treatment through either endodontic therapy or extraction.
Among other critical dental issues, periodontal disease can lead to systemic infections, behavioral changes, accelerated aging, tooth loss, and even jaw fractures.
Oral masses can be benign and minimally invasive, benign and locally invasive, or malignant. If an oral exam is done and a biopsy is obtained but not sent to the appropriate pathologist (oral pathologist), it could be misdiagnosed or need another biopsy to get a definitive diagnosis. Depending on the type of mass, oral masses can grow very fast, invade bone, or even metastasize if they are not treated fast enough.
Sometimes, malocclusions—misalignments of the teeth—are dismissed, either due to misconceptions about their growth, such as “they will grow out of it,” or a lack of awareness regarding the necessity of treatment. Untreated malocclusions can lead to gingiva or palate trauma, periodontal disease, adverse dental interlock, or more severe issues, such as an oronasal fistula that connects the nose to the oral cavity.
Dogs are often born “missing teeth”. Unfortunately, not all these cases are actually missing teeth. Embedded or impacted teeth that are thought to be missing can create dentigerous cysts. If these cysts go untreated, they can harm surrounding teeth and bone.
This blog explores the critical importance of addressing dental health in pets through real-life case studies that highlight the impact of dental interventions.
Case Study 1: Chronic Nasal Discharge
We encountered a middle-aged blue heeler who presented with chronic nasal discharge, at times purulent and sometimes frank blood. The owner, believing the issue to be allergies, had been treating the dog for years. The dog was very difficult to handle and reluctant to allow any facial examination, which resulted in a missed oral exam. Previous fractures had caused a malocclusion, resulting in a lingual version of the lower canine tooth. Unfortunately, the canine tooth had created a sizable hole in the palate, which was undetected until we performed an anesthetized oral exam.
Corrective measures involved crown reduction and root canal therapy on the lower canine to eliminate the source of trauma, followed by flap surgery using palatial tissue to cover the defect leading to the nasal cavity. Although the bone in that area would not regenerate, the successful closure of the hole allowed the dog to enjoy a pain-free life once again, with no more nasal discharge.
Case Study 2: The Reluctant Eater
In another example, a cat that had undergone full mouth extractions—except for its canines and incisors—stopped eating for over a year due to nerve exposure on the canines. Despite undergoing root canal therapy, the cat’s disinterest in food returned. After ruling out other issues, we conducted an anesthetized oral exam, during which we discovered a newly fractured incisor. The extraction of this small but significant tooth allowed the cat to resume eating almost immediately, and it thrived for several years afterward.
Case Study 3: The Owner’s Instinct
In yet another case, an observant owner brought their dog in, convinced it was experiencing oral pain. The dog had shown small tip fractures on both upper fourth premolars that had been treated previously with bonded sealants. Initial radiographs were inconclusive, showing no signs of infection. However, upon performing a cone beam CT scan, we identified bone loss around the apex of both roots, indicating infection. The owner opted for root canal therapy instead of extraction, and post-treatment, the dog experienced significant relief and improved quality of life.
Conclusion
These case studies illustrate the profound impact dental health can have on pets’ lives, highlighting the need for timely intervention and education among pet owners and veterinary professionals. Prioritizing dental care can prevent unnecessary pain and suffering and ensure that our furry companions thrive.
Regular dental check-ups and being attuned to unusual behaviors are key to maintaining our pets’ health. As responsible pet parents and veterinary professionals, we must amplify awareness around dental care to ensure that every pet can transition from pain to purrs.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/29/2024) Image by Zigmars Berzins from Pixabay